NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. India hosts the second Regional Open Digital Health
Summit (RODHS) 2025: The Regional Open Digital Health Summit 2025 (RODHS 2025) opened
in New Delhi, bringing
together leaders from India and South-East Asia to discuss how Digital Public
Infrastructure, open standards, and technologies like Generative AI can
strengthen Universal Health Coverage.Speakers from NeGD, WHO, UNICEF, NHA, and
Ministry of Health emphasised the urgency of collaboration, interoperability,
equity, and secure digital systems—highlighting India’s platforms such as ABDM,
CoWIN, Aadhaar, and UPI as models of scalable Digital Public
Infrastructure.Multiple sessions focused on key themes including open standards
(FHIR), foundational DPI (identity, payments, registries, data exchange),
interoperability, governance reforms, and AI-driven health innovation, with
representatives from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the Maldives.The
first day showcased Generative AI use cases—from AI diagnostics to multilingual
patient engagement—demonstrating how scalable digital tools can transform
healthcare and reinforcing the region’s commitment to equitable, secure, and
interoperable digital health systems.
2. Justice Surya Kant Becomes India’s 53rd
Chief Justice: Justice Surya Kant assumes office today as the 53rd Chief Justice of
India, beginning a 14-month tenure that will focus on reducing case pendency
and strengthening judicial efficiency. The oath will be administered by
President Droupadi Murmu, following the recommendation of outgoing CJI Bhushan
R. Gavai. Born on 10 February 1962 in Haryana, Justice Surya
Kant began practising law
in Hisar in 1984 before shifting to Chandigarh. He handled constitutional, civil and service matters and represented
major institutions, including universities, corporations and the High Court. He
became Advocate General of Haryana in 2000 and was designated senior
advocate in 2001. Justice Surya Kant was elevated as a permanent judge of the
Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2004. In 2018, he became Chief Justice of the
Himachal Pradesh High Court. His elevation to the Supreme Court followed in May
2019. Since November 2024, he has served as Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal
Services Committee, playing a key role in legal aid and access to justice.
3. Sonowal Observes Shramik Divas in
Dibrugarh: Union
minister Sarbananda Sonowal marked Shramik Kalyan Divas at Chabua in Dibrugarh,
an event held to honour the legacy of Santosh Kumar Topno, a noted reformer
from Assam’s tea garden community. The day highlighted the enduring
contribution of workers and the ongoing efforts to improve welfare across
tea-producing regions. Shramik Kalyan Divas commemorates the birth anniversary
of Santosh Kumar Topno, whose work advanced labour rights and social upliftment
in tea estates. The observance serves as a reminder of the historical struggles
and continued demands for better working and living conditions in these
communities. During the programme, Sonowal presented cheques to individuals and
institutions recognised for their service in education, healthcare and welfare
initiatives for tea garden workers. Infrastructure development in
labour-dominated areas also featured prominently among the sectors acknowledged
for performance.
4. Constitution 131st
Amendment Bill 2025: The central
government’s plan to table the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, 2025 has
stirred political debate across Punjab and
the wider Union Territory governance framework. The proposal
concerns the administrative positioning of Chandigarh and its alignment with constitutional provisions governing Union
Territories without legislatures. The Bill seeks to include Chandigarh under Article 240 of the Constitution. This Article
empowers the President to issue regulations for specified Union Territories
that do not have their own legislative assemblies. By bringing Chandigarh under
this provision, the Union Territory would be treated similarly to Lakshadweep, Dadra and Nagar
Haveli and Daman and Diu, Puducherry in special circumstances, and
the Andaman and
Nicobar Islands. If enacted, the amendment
would allow the President to frame rules directly for Chandigarh. This would
streamline central oversight and place the Union Territory in the same
administrative category as other centrally governed territories. It may also
influence the current arrangement where the Governor of Punjab serves
simultaneously as the Administrator of Chandigarh, potentially paving the way
for a separate administrative structure.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. Canada and India Resume High-Level Trade
Talks: Canada and India have agreed to revive
negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to
double bilateral trade by 2030. The decision comes after a two-year diplomatic
freeze and reflects both nations’ interest in expanding economic engagement
amid shifting global trade priorities. The announcement followed a meeting
between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark
Carney on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Johannesburg. Both leaders
expressed commitment to concluding a high-ambition trade pact designed to push
two-way trade to USD 50 billion by 2030. Carney said the renewed dialogue would
open substantial opportunities for businesses in both countries. Trade talks
were suspended in 2023 after tensions escalated over allegations relating to
the killing of a Canadian Sikh separatist. Despite the diplomatic rift,
bilateral trade grew modestly, although it remained small relative to India’s
economic size. Recent high-level interactions, including Modi’s meeting with
Carney at the G7 summit earlier this year, helped revive
political momentum.
2. Irish Designer Paul Costelloe Dies at 80: Irish fashion icon Paul
Costelloe has died in London at the age of 80, ending a career that spanned
five decades and helped elevate Irish design to global prominence. His family
confirmed that he passed away peacefully after a short illness, surrounded by
his wife and seven children. Costelloe was born in Dublin, where his father
managed a successful raincoat manufacturing business. He studied at the Grafton
Academy of Fashion Design before moving to Paris, where he trained at the
Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture. These formative years shaped his
technical expertise and his affinity for classic European tailoring. In 1979,
Costelloe launched his own label, Paul Costelloe Collections. His work became a
fixture at London Fashion Week and was showcased in Paris, Milan and New York.
His reputation soared when he became the personal designer to Diana, Princess
of Wales in 1983, a partnership that lasted until her death in 1997 and
cemented his place in international fashion.
3. India, Australia and Canada Launches ACITI
Partnership: India has
announced a new trilateral framework with Australia and Canada to deepen cooperation in advanced
technologies and clean energy. The initiative was revealed after a meeting
between the leaders of the three countries on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
The three nations have launched the Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation (ACITI)
Partnership. The framework aims to strengthen collaboration across democratic
partners positioned across the Indo-Pacific and the Atlantic. The initiative
focuses on emerging technologies, sustainable innovation and the diversification
of strategic supply chains. According to the joint statement, the partnership
will build on each country’s natural strengths to advance research, development
and commercialisation of clean energy systems. The agenda includes green hydrogen, battery technologies, critical minerals and low-emission
manufacturing. The three nations also intend to enhance cooperation on
resilient supply chains that support reliable access to essential minerals and
components.
OTHER UPDATES:
SPORTS
1. Aonishiki Arata Becomes First Ukrainian to
Win a Sumo Tournament: Ukrainian-born sumo wrestler Danylo Yavhusishyn, known
professionally as Aonishiki Arata, has created history by becoming the first
athlete from Ukraine to claim a major sumo tournament
title. The 21-year-old secured victory at the Kyushu Grand Sumo Tournament
after defeating Mongolian grand champion Hoshoryu in a decisive tie-breaker.
Competing at the Fukuoka Kokusai Center, Aonishiki delivered a composed and
powerful performance to seal the championship. His victory speech, given
fluently in Japanese, reflected both gratitude and ambition as he expressed his
goal of rising further in the sport’s rankings. His achievement marks a
significant breakthrough for non-Japanese wrestlers emerging from
conflict-affected regions. Since turning professional in July 2023, Aonishiki
has moved swiftly through the divisions, reaching the upper ranks within a
single year. His ascent is one of the fastest recorded since the modern
six-tournament calendar was established in 1958. The Japan Sumo Association is
expected to hold a special meeting to consider his promotion to the rank of
ozeki, the position just below yokozuna.
2. India Clinch Inaugural Blind Women’s T20
World Cup Title: India
recorded a landmark achievement by winning the first-ever Blind Women’s T20
World Cup, defeating Nepal by seven wickets in a commanding
final performance at Colombo’s P. Saravanamuttu Stadium. The triumph completed
India’s unbeaten run in a tournament co-hosted across New Delhi, Bengaluru and
Colombo. India chose to field first and quickly established control. Nepal were
held to 114 for 5 in 20 overs, managing only a single boundary in the entire
innings. Sarita Ghimire’s 35 off 38 balls held the Nepal innings together, but
constant pressure from India’s B1, B2 and B3 bowlers ensured the scoring rate
remained subdued throughout. The target was chased down with authority. India
reached 117 for 3 in 12.1 overs, with Phula Saren delivering a decisive 44 off
27 balls. Her innings, which included four boundaries, eliminated any tension
and kept India far ahead of the required run rate. The batting display
reflected the confidence gained from a flawless league phase.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Operation Crystal Fortress Uncovers Major
Meth Trafficking Network: A joint operation by the Narcotics Control Bureau and
Delhi Police has resulted in the seizure of 329 kg of methamphetamine valued at
Rs 262 crore, marking one of the biggest drug recoveries recorded in the
national capital. The crackdown, codenamed Operation Crystal Fortress, targeted
a transnational cartel using Delhi as a key distribution hub. Teams recovered
the consignment from a residence in Chattarpur, south Delhi, on 20 November.
Two suspects have been arrested so far, including Shane Waris from Uttar Pradesh and Esther Kinimi from Nagaland. Their detention followed intelligence inputs, technical surveillance
and coordinated action with state agencies. Investigators revealed that the
cartel operated through layered handlers, fake SIM cards and encrypted
messaging platforms. Waris reportedly liaised with couriers and logistics-based
intermediaries under instructions from foreign operators. Kinimi allegedly
supervised deliveries routed through hired riders and rented safe houses to
avoid detection.
2. Primordial Cluster Discovery in the Kuiper
Belt: Astronomers
have reported indications of a possible primordial cluster located beyond
Neptune, deep within the Kuiper Belt. The finding suggests the presence of an
ancient group of icy bodies that may have remained undisturbed since the solar
system’s earliest era. This evidence could reshape current understanding of the
outer solar system’s formation and its long-term evolution. The Kuiper Belt
stretches from roughly 30 to 50 astronomical units from the Sun. It contains
millions of icy remnants from the early solar nebula. These bodies range from
small fragments to large dwarf planets. The region, shaped by the gravitational
influence of giant planets, preserves signatures of primordial conditions that
are no longer observable closer to the Sun. A Princeton-led team has
highlighted a dense cluster of objects at about 43 AU. These bodies follow
extremely stable, low-eccentricity orbits. Such stability indicates minimal
disturbance over billions of years. Researchers suggest that this may represent
a previously unknown inner primordial grouping that predates other known Kuiper
Belt structures.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Insurance Bill Proposes 100% FDI to Boost
Sector Growth: The government has moved a
significant step toward reshaping India’s insurance landscape by listing the
Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill for the upcoming winter session of Parliament.
The draft legislation seeks to enhance foreign investment limits, streamline
regulatory structures, and widen access to insurance services across the
country. A key feature of the proposed legislation is the plan to raise the
foreign direct investment ceiling from 74 per cent to 100 per cent. This
change, aligned with the FY26 Budget announcement, aims to attract sustained
overseas capital. The enhanced limit will apply to companies that invest the
entire premium in India. Existing restrictions on foreign participation are
expected to be simplified, creating a more investor-friendly environment. The
bill incorporates amendments to three major laws: the Insurance Act 1928, the
Life Insurance Corporation Act 1956, and the IRDAI Act 1999. These revisions
aim to improve affordability and accessibility of insurance products, support
industry expansion, and reduce procedural bottlenecks. The overarching
objective is to encourage deeper penetration and strengthen market development.
AWARDS AND HONOURS
1. Oscars 2026: Animation, Documentary and International Films Announced: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has released the full list of films eligible for the 98th Oscars across Best Animated Feature, Best Documentary Feature and Best International Feature categories. This year’s lineup features a diverse global mix, including major streaming hits, animated blockbusters and acclaimed international titles. Netflix’s global success “KPop Demon Hunters” headlines the list of 35 eligible animated features. Its qualifying theatrical run in key US cities ensured compliance with Academy rules. Other major entries include Disney’s “Elio” and “Zootopia 2,” Neon’s “Arco,” GKids’ “Little Amelie or the Character of Rain,” Japan’s “Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle,” and India’s high-grossing “Mahavatar Narsimha.” Notably, China’s “Ne Zha 2” is absent from the list. The documentary feature race has attracted 201 submissions, the highest among all categories this year. Members of the documentary branch will vote to produce a shortlist of 15 films on 16 December, which will later be narrowed to five official nominees. A number of high-profile investigative, cultural and historical documentaries are expected to compete intensely for limited slots.
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